Genesis began the year ready for a brand relaunch with new and freshened product.
After its first wave of sedans sold in limited quantities while the new franchise network was being built, the Korean luxury marque began 2020 with high hopes.
A heavily freshened G90 flagship sedan went on sale in January, a new-generation G80 midsize sedan was waiting in the wings, and its debut crossover — the GV80 — was just months away. The compact G70 sedan also was a rising sales star.
Of course, the coronavirus threw the timeline into disarray, mostly because Genesis needed emissions certification for the G80 and the GV80 from EPA offices that were closed. Its summer of brand rebirth is now scheduled for the fall.
Genesis has 350 dealers nationwide at the ready, along with thousands of reservations for the redesigned sport sedan and midsize crossover, which share a rear-wheel-drive platform. Word from Genesis is that the two vehicles have received EPA certification for all drivetrain variants, and they will be on sale in showrooms between October and November.
Next year, a smaller new crossover will join the family for the 2022 model year and the G70 will be freshened. Genesis also will take the wraps off its first EV before the end of 2021. Corporate parent Hyundai Motor Co. has a new battery-electric platform and is developing two crossovers and one sedan. The first Genesis EV likely would be a crossover or may be a four-door hatchback styled like a coupe.
With the company’s product plans from now until the end of next year, Genesis’ lineup will double.
G70: The compact sedan was new for the 2019 model year and is due for a freshen next year as a 2022 model. Since the G70’s introduction, Genesis’ styling language has changed to incorporate a new pentagon grille, along with lighting that emphasizes the car’s horizontal lines. Those elements will find their way into the sedan’s next generation, along with interior styling updates. The manual transmission that was available only with the base engine is discontinued. A redesign should come in 2023. Updated engines from the G80 could find their way into the smaller sedan.
G80: This fall, the midsize sedan moves to a new platform shared with the GV80 crossover, getting new powertrains, new safety technology and new styling. The crest grille now points downward into the lower fascia. The front, rear and side lamps are designed as straight lines of light, and the vehicle’s fastback silhouette tapers at the rear. The G80 shares two gasoline engines newly developed for the GV80. A 2.5-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder makes 304 hp, while a 3.5-liter turbocharged V-6 is rated at 380 hp. A freshen should come in 2023.
G90: The large sedan has undergone a substantial freshen for 2020. With the exception of the roof and doors, every exterior body panel was replaced or changed. The G90 incorporates new styling language with a pentagon grille and lighting designed as two straight, parallel lines. The interior gets a 12.3-inch display with touch screen controls. Engine choices are a turbocharged V-6 with 365 hp or a nonturbo V-8 with 420 hp. A resign should come in 2022.
GV70: Spy images of the smaller Genesis crossover hint at a design that reflects a diminutive GV80, with a sloping backside and horizontal lines for exterior lighting. The GV70 is expected to go on sale next year as a 2022 model. It is likely to be offered with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine as standard and a turbo V-6 as an option. Genesis may offer hybrid motors eventually, but the timeline is not clear. A freshen likely would come in 2024.
GV80: The highly anticipated midsize crossover for 2021 will be available with an optional third row. Features include an electronically controlled suspension with road preview from a front-mounted camera and active road-noise cancellation. The GV80 will be available with 22-inch wheels and a 14.5-inch infotainment screen. The base model has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and rwd. Higher trims have a turbo V-6 and all-wheel drive. A freshen should come in 2023.
Electric vehicle: Since Hyundai has confirmed that its first EV on a new dedicated platform will be a midsize crossover, chances are that Genesis will build something similar. Spy shots suggest the Genesis version could be a tall hatchback, echoing the body of EV crossovers such as the Tesla Model Y that are relatively low to the ground to reduce wind resistance and increase efficiency. The five-door Genesis could take some cues from its well-received Mint concept from last year’s New York auto show. The coupe’s styling included a sculpted version of the crest grille and quad-lamp lighting.
The Genesis EV should launch before the end of 2021, which is similar to Hyundai’s plans.